Solstice Paddle / Potluck / Gear Swap

This is our annual summertime social event which is always held at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead and finishes off with a pot luck party under the pavilion across the street at Devereux Beach.  Traditionally this event is posted as two to three separate paddling trips of differing levels but leaving from the same location, breaking en route for packed lunches.  Although we are not changing that concept, this year we are trying a different approach.

Since many newer members and paddlers don't fully understand what level to place themselves at, and therefore don't know which level trip to sign up for, this year we would like everyone to just sign up for the day.  At the beach, we will have some trip organizers propose a variety of trip choices of varying length and activities.  Examples would be a 15 mile trip out to Bakers Island for some play in heavier seas around the island, a 10 mile trip to Children's Island for some conservative paddling in moderate seas, and a 5 mile trip to Dolliber Cove for those newer to sea kayaking.  Those are just examples, and we may end up with more than three groups if needed.  The actual trips would be designed based on the weather, sea conditions, and the general desires of participants.  Each trip will have leaders of varying levels and all groups will operate under the Common Adventure Model system which asks that all trip members be active participants in the design and execution of each trip to the extent of their abilities.  Therefore, we welcome NSPN members of all skill levels to join this event, and only require a minimum of a sea kayak, paddle, PFD, sprayskirt, food and water.  Even then, if you are lacking something (say a proper ocean kayak with bulk heads), please post what you might need and we will see if someone has one you can borrow for the day.

Parking at Riverhead should be free, but can be busy with dog walker, SUP rentals, and - oh yeah, a bunch of kayakers!  Alternate parking at Devereaux is $15 for the day.  Everyone should be ready to launch by 9:30am, and we will sort people into trip groups at that time.  After the trips (most likely 3:00 - 3:30PM), all groups will pack up their gear, change into warm clothing (be prepared that it tends to be very windy in the afternoon) and collect under the picnic pavilion at Devereaux Beach across the street, and enjoy a pot-luck style beach party for dinner!  NSPN will have plates, bowls, napkins, utensils and some extra serving utensils and serving bowls on hand, so bring your favorite dish (enough to share!), your favorite beverage (no alcohol) and you best kayaking stories to be told.  Non-paddling friends and family are of course also invited to meet up with us.

Also new this year will be a gear swap.  Do you have paddling stuff that you just don't use, but want something else instead?  Bring it along and see if you can make a deal.  Trade some poggies for gloves, or a PFD for a sprayskirt.  Maybe you have a boat that just isn't working for you, this would be a good opportunity to let others take it for a test spin.  Let's just make sure we keep it to kayak related stuff (don't bring that treadmill that has been in your basement for years.  Yeah, we know you have one - everyone does!)

So bring your gear, your love of paddling, a yummy dish to share, and maybe some normal people as well to help us kick-off the summer paddling season in style!!!  Please click the GOING button to the upper left, or reply to this post if you have any questions or comments.